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PHOTOS: Croatian army on traditional pilgrimage to Marija Bistrica

CROATIAN ARMY MARIJA BISTRICA

(Photo credit: MORH / J. Kopi)

The 28th pilgrimage of the Croatian army, police, and Croatian veterans was held in Marija Bistrica and attended by the Minister of Defense Mario Banožić and the Chief of General Staff of the CAF Admiral Robert Hranj. 

Organised by the Military Ordinariate in the Republic of Croatia, the 28th pilgrimage of the Croatian army, police, and Croatian veterans was held on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at the National Shrine in Marija Bistrica. The pilgrimage was held in compliance with the epidemiological measures of the Civil Protection Headquarters.

CROATIAN ARMY MARIJA BISTRICA

(Photo credit: MORH / J. Kopi)

Along with members of the Croatian army, police and Croatian veterans, members of civil protection and firefighters, the pilgrimage was attended by Minister of Defence Mario Banožić, envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia and Commander-in-Chief Dragan Lozančić, envoy of the Prime Minister Tomo Medved, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Croatian Admiral Robert Hranj with associates, Deputy Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mijo Krešić and Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH Major General Ivica Jerkić and others.

CROATIAN ARMY MARIJA BISTRICA

(Photo credit: MORH / J. Kopi)

On this occasion, the Minister of Defence reminded that throughout history, it was the Croatian soldiers who defended and defended the Christian identity and culture of this area, and often the whole of Europe.

“Such an event is therefore an integral part of the identity and tradition of the Croatian soldier and the Croatian people. I am proud that even in our time, the Croatian army confirms with its example this indivisible connection between our Croatian people and Our Lady,” said Minister Banožić.

CROATIAN ARMY MARIJA BISTRICA

(Photo credit: MORH / J. Kopi)

The pilgrimage began with the devotion of the Way of the Cross on the Bistrica Calvary, and the concelebrated Holy Mass held in the open-air church of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac was led by the Military Ordinary in the Republic of Croatia, Monsignor Jure Bogdan.

In his sermon, Msgr. Bogdan reminded that October is dedicated to Our Lady and that today is an opportunity for all thoughts and prayers to be handed over to Heavenly Mother, especially prayers for the multiplication of faith and an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

CROATIAN ARMY MARIJA BISTRICA

(Photo credit: MORH / J. Kopi)

“Every time brings challenges, expected, but also unexpected. The coronavirus epidemic has affected our personal lives as well, many are worried, wondering what will happen to jobs, schools, hospitals… the heart is restless, thoughts wander, and our steps are hesitant. The only firm support is in God, He is the only and complete peace for our thoughts and heart “, the message of Msgr. Bogdan, who also reminded of today’s memorial of St. Francis, whose life begins with accepting God and living the faith.

Croatian army marija bistrica

(Photo credit: MORH / J. Kopi)

The commander of the pilgrimage was the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Perica Turalija.

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